Technology isn’t going away, and treating it as purely a threat rarely works long-term. This section is about setting boundaries that actually hold — healthy screen time limits, safer apps, and the online safety basics every parent should have in place before handing over a device.
Screen time
Screen time guidelines work best when they’re specific to your child’s age and tied to a routine, not just a number of minutes. Use our screen time tracker to set a limit that fits your family and stay consistent with it.
Online safety
- Set up parental controls and content filters before your child’s first unsupervised session, not after a problem shows up.
- Keep devices in shared spaces for younger children rather than bedrooms.
- Talk openly about what to do if something online feels wrong — kids who fear getting in trouble are less likely to tell you.
- Review app permissions and in-app purchases regularly.
Choosing educational apps
Not all “educational” apps are created equal. Look for apps with clear learning goals, no manipulative reward loops, and age-appropriate content — and treat app time as a complement to hands-on activities, not a replacement for them.
Get age-specific guidance
For a plan matched to your child’s exact age and situation, start with the Parent Problem Solver.